Q1. Which of the following forest types is characterized by tall, straight evergreen trees and is found in the Western Ghats and northeastern India?
- Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
- Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
- Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest
- Tropical Thorn Forest
Correct Option: 2. Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
Explanation: Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur in regions with high annual rainfall (over 250 cm) and humid conditions throughout the year. These forests are typically found in:
• The Western Ghats,
• Northeast India, and
• The Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
They are marked by:
• Tall, dense, and multi-layered canopy,
• Presence of epiphytes (plants growing on other plants),
• No clear leaf fall season, unlike deciduous forests.
Typical tree species include:
• Jackfruit,
• Mango,
• Betel nut palm,
• Bamboos.
These forests are rich in biodiversity, forming one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in India.
Q2. Which state has the largest forest cover in terms of area, as per the India State of Forest Report 2021?
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Odisha
Correct Option: 3. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover by area, with approximately 77,493 sq. km, accounting for about 25.14% of its geographical area.
While states like Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh also have large forest areas, MP leads due to:
• Its sheer size,
• Its central location, which supports deciduous and mixed forests,
• Large tribal areas involved in community forest conservation.
Q3. Which of the following forests is found in the delta areas of the Ganga and Brahmaputra and has soft tissue roots?
- Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest
- Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
- Littoral and Swamp Forest
- Montane Wet Temperate Forest
Correct Option: 3. Littoral and Swamp Forest
Explanation: These forests are commonly referred to as Mangrove forests, found in coastal and delta regions, especially:
• Sunderbans (Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta),
• Mahanadi and Godavari deltas.
Unique features:
• Trees have aerial roots (pneumatophores) for respiration in waterlogged soils, often described as “soft tissue roots”.
• They provide a buffer against coastal erosion and cyclones.
• Rich in biodiversity and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Key species: Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia.
Q4. What is the primary objective of the National Forest Policy of 1988?
- Promote industrial forestry
- Increase timber production
- Promote monoculture plantations
- Ensure environmental stability and ecological balance
Correct Option: 4. Ensure environmental stability and ecological balance
Explanation: The National Forest Policy of 1988 marked a shift from commercial exploitation (focus of earlier policies) to conservation and sustainability.
Core objectives:
• Maintain ecological balance and environmental stability.
• Increase forest/tree cover to at least 33% of total geographical area (66% in hill areas).
• Meet the basic needs of fuelwood, fodder, NTFPs of forest-dependent communities.
• Emphasize people’s participation through programs like Joint Forest Management (JFM).
The policy focuses on conservation, soil and water protection, and wildlife preservation, not just economic benefits.
Q5. Which forest type is common in areas with black soil and low rainfall, especially in Central and South India?
- Tropical Dry Deciduous
- Tropical Semi-Evergreen
- Tropical Thorn Forest
- Subtropical Pine Forest
Correct Option: 3. Tropical Thorn Forest
Explanation: Tropical Thorn Forests are found in:
• Semi-arid and arid regions,
• Rainfall below 75 cm,
• Black and sandy soils, particularly in:
(1) Rajasthan,
(2) Gujarat,
(3) Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
These forests consist mainly of:
• Xerophytic species like cactus, acacia, euphorbia, and babul.
• Vegetation is scattered and stunted, adapted to drought.
They play a role in preventing desertification and soil erosion in dry zones.